Removals to China •Shipping to China • International Moving and Storage

If you are moving to China, Greens Removals provide competitive low cost shipping to China for all household and business moves. We are an international moving and storage company, based in the UK, who specialise in shipping to all parts of China including the cities of Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Wuhan, Chongqing, Tianjin, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Shenyang and New Taipei.

Greens Removals are BAR registered for overseas moves and hold all three of the British and European Quality Service Standards relevant to the removals industry. We have a highly successful partnership with one of the largest relocation companies in Asia, ensuring our China shipping service is as reliable as our UK removals, and your furniture and personal effects arrive safely at their new destination. Whether you require a dedicated container, part load or air freight, or simply need advice on organising your international move, get in touch and we will be happy to help.

Professional packing services or the supply of boxes and packaging materials.

Shipping to China via a dedicated container, groupage service or air freight.

Full advice and support with customs, paperwork, shipping requirements and local information.

Unpacking

Short or long term storage

Removals insurance

The transportation of pets, vehicles and specialist items.

All quotes are tailored to your requirements.

We have offices across China and provide shipping to China on a very regular basis. Our overseas moves consultants will offer a personal consultation to ensure that you have all the information to make the right choices about your move.

Moving to China : About China
China is the third largest country in the world and the most populated, with 3.1 billion inhabitants. Occupying 3.7 million square miles, it has a rich culture and fascinating history. Under communist government since 1949, it is now undergoing economic and social changes with importance given to tourist facilities along with infrastructure.

For years China had largely cut itself off from the rest of the world. Now, it draws thousands of tourists globally who immerse themselves in the culture and marvel at attractions such as the Great Wall of China (one of the Seven Wonders of the World), The Forbidden Palace and X'ians incredible Terracotta Army with its thousands of life size models of warriors of the Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor of China.

This exotic destination has seen a surge in visitors since it played host to the 2008 summer Olympics. It offers great diversity in culture and landscape including majestic mountain ranges in the west, such as the Himalayas, deserts (such as the Gobi), grasslands on the edges of the inner Mongolian plateau in the north, subtropical forests in the wet south and bustling cities such as Shanghai and the capital Beijing, where modern shopping facilities sit alongside ancient buildings. You can explore ruins and relics from Neolithic settlements, marvel at treasures from the dynastic reigns of the emperors and journey along ancient trade routes such as Silk Road.

China is currently the fastest growing world economy. For people moving here, as the centre of east-west trade, it represents a chance to explore the international business frontier. Those with specialist skills and qualifications are particularly attracted to cities in the east that are growing and expanding.

This attraction to major cities provides for an energising mix of western and Chinese cultures but such rapid growth can define large areas of these cities by pollution and unattractive building developments. However, amongst this rapid development, expats experience a delightful lifestyle still centred around traditional structures and family values. The complexity of China's cities provides expats and Chinese with a vibrant culture and a way of life to inspire.

Moving to China for business, or to experience the language and culture in situ can create difficulties for newcomers. Foreigners find themselves balancing bureaucratic tensions and seething crowds against their own higher than average incomes and active expat communities.

Moving to China : Language
The official language in China is Mandarin, one of the world's most ancient languages. But there are vast numbers of local dialects. For English speaking migrants, it is definitely worthwhile learning some basic phrases, later perhaps taking classes in Mandarin (Cantonese if moving to Hong Kong).

Moving to China : Local Customs and Etiquette
Although China is generally safe, foreigners need to be careful in street markets, tourist sites and popular bar areas at night, where what little crime exists, although petty, may be disruptive. Foreigners must carry identification as spot checks are common and failure to show identity results in a fine or detention.

Chinese have three names. The first is their surname or family name so foreigners are frequently called by their surnames. When addressing Chinese people, it is important to begin with their surname and use their full titles. The Chinese will then quickly get down to business as western politeness is seen as curious.

It is considered very rude to be late for meetings. When meeting someone for the first time, it is usual to shake hands and say "How are you?" (Ni hau). When exchanging gifts or business cards, it is usual to hold it with both hands. Gifts are an important courtesy in Chinese culture. Business hours are Monday to Saturday, from 8 am to 5 pm and a five day week is more usual in larger cities.

Moving to China : Electricity
In China the electrical current is 220 volts, 50 Hz. There are different types of plugs used but most common are the two-pin flat blade and oblique three pin flat blade plugs.

Moving to China : Time
The local time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Moving to China - Visas
Foreigners moving to China will need a visa
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There has been a rise in demand for Chinese visas and a Chinese Visa Application Service Centre (CVASC) is now available. This organisation is responsible for receiving visa applications for UK citizens wanting to visit China as well as collecting fees on behalf of the Chinese Embassy and the Consulate General and returning processed visa applications. The Chinese authorities can issue a diplomatic, courtesy, service or ordinary visa to a foreigner according to their identity, purpose of their visit to China and passport type. The ordinary visa consists of eight different categories L, F, X, Z, G, C, J and D.

British citizens can visit Hong Kong for up to six months without a visa but a visa is needed for those to work, study, establish or join in any business or to take up residence. UK citizens can visit Macao without a visa. For this please visit the Identification Department of Macao website for details.